Q: Ira, this game reminded me of when we were winning at the start of the season. I heard you ask Erik Spoelstra about Jaime Jaquez Jr. and I agree, the game is so fun when Juan Wick has it going. – Chaz.
A: With all the nicknames that people have come up with for Jaime Jaquez Jr., is Juan Wick still a thing? (It’s an ethnic homage to Keanu Reeves’ character in the John Wick series.) But, yes, this is what that very much felt like, when Jaime would take over off the bench during the 14-7 start of the season. Now, the best of defenses will swarm him with size and force him to shoot over the top. But he even did some of that in Sunday’s victory over the Suns, including a 3-pointer. When Jaime is allowed to get going, it often is more than just the offense, including his six assists and five rebounds Sunday.
Q: Norm Powell isn’t getting those calls anymore on the rip-through. Do you think the league sent out a memo? – Ed.
A: If they did, it is highly doubtful it included Norman Powell’s name on it. But he certainly could wind up showing up on one of those points-of-emphasis videos the league’s officiating wing distributes as interpretations are adjusted. Yes, there were a few on Sunday night that merited free throws. But the interpretation also was probably too liberal at the start of the season that got him to the foul line over the initial months of the season.
Q: So they’re on a run and Tyler Herro is coming back? – Orlie.
A: Let’s not do that. First, winning three of four games hardly is hard. Second, we’re still not sure what happens next with Tyler Herro’s rib issue. But as Norman Powell’s numbers go down, it is clear the Heat need another scoring wing. And that is one aspect where Tyler consistently has delivered.